September 9, 2021

TODAY

A wisconsinite

74˚

at the state fair page

13

53˚

Sunny but a lil’ chilly, if I do say so myself.

STUDENT RUN NEWS SINCE 1926

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

ARE YOU NOT

ENTERTAINED?

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter The Minnesota State football team opened their season Thursday last week against the Northern State Wolves on a rather wet day at The Blakeslee. Despite scoring in the first few minutes, the Mavericks traded leads with the Wolves throughout the game. It wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter when senior quarterback JD Ekowa scored a touchdown that gave the Mavs their eventual shot at tying the game.

The Mavs then won the game in overtime on a touchdown by Ekowa, successfully entertaining over 4,000 fans that packed the stadium.

FOOTBALL on page 10 u

How students spent their Labor Day

By JULIA BARTON

College parties: when minors become a major problem

By JULIA BARTON Staff Writer

Binge drinking has been a part of college culture for decades as almost every teen movie showcases young adults consuming alcohol once they move into college.

Drinking at social events is a very typical trend throughout all college campuses, although it does have a tendency to correlate with other more serious crimes such as sexual assault and different levels of abuse.

Many might not think a couple drinks here and there is a big deal. However, when you repeatedly expose your brain to chemicals that are in alcohol it may cause serious health issues down the road.

Thad Shunkwiler, assistant professor in the department of health science at Minnesota State University, Mankato, teaches in the alcohol and drug studies program and is a licensed health care clinician.

“The human brain doesn’t fully develop until the age of 25 or even later so when you inject chemicals that have its primary impact on the brain, you’re changing the physiology of how that organ works, and with repeated exposure it may create long lasting complications,” Shunkwiler said.

MINORS on page 5 u

Going Greek brings MNSU students together for support

What is Labor Day? It’s just what it sounds like, a day for laborers. This is a day that recognizes all that work and pays tribute to the workers of America.

Labor Day usually occurs on the first Monday of September and, in this year’s case, took place on Sept. 6.

This day was created by the labor movement during the late 19th century and then became an official holiday in 1894.

Labor Day can mean the start of school for most Americans in college or high school

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN • The Reporter

Staff Writer

Some students visited the Minnesota State Fair this Labor Day.

as well as the last hooray of summer.

The whole idea of a holiday for workers was thought

of during the industrial revolution when most Americans and their kids as young as five LABOR DAY on page 3 u

By ASHLEY OPINA Staff Writer

Once upon a time, a new freshman stepped foot on the grounds of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Once there, they were greeted by an array of tables at the Centennial Student Union.

Each table offered a place to call home on campus, aside from the poorly air-conditioned dorm rooms. As the freshman walked past each table they landed on one that not only offered them a home on campus, but brothers and sisters to share it with as well.

That is how the tale of Greek life at MNSU begins, and this is the happily ever after of three Mavericks that are proud of their memberships.

“I belong to Gamma Phi Beta and have been a member since the Fall of 2018,” says Lauren Bern, a senior at MNSU. Bern became interested in Greek life upon moving to college where she had yet to make friends. She figured Greek life would be a great way to do just that.

In her own words, “I needGREEK on page 4 u

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Immigrant 9/11 cleanup crews seek residency as a reward

JOHN MINCHILLO • Associated Press Franklin Anchahua-Herrera sits for a portrait in a room that he shares with his father, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, in the Queens borough of New York. Anchahua-Herrera has several health conditions certified by the World Trade Center Health Program that are approved for treatment benefits for individuals who worked at the site in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Franklin Anchahua cleared thick layers of dust in offices, apartments and even in a chapel in lower Manhattan for weeks after the Sept.

11 attacks.

At first, he treated his heartburn and acid reflux with herbs his mother would send from Peru. He avoided available health programs because he lives illegally in the U.S. and feared deportation.

Until the discomfort was too much.

“It was awful. I needed medical treatment, a specialist. I also had breathing problems,” said Anchahua, 50, who sought care for the first time at Bellevue Hospital in 2011.

He and other immigrants, mostly Spanish-speaking clean up workers, have long asked to obtain legal immigration status in the U.S. as a way to compensate for the work and subsequent health problems they suffered after the attacks.

But 20 years after 9/11, only several dozens are still participating in protests and making the request, while others have abandoned that fight.

“It is hard to find a job

here without immigration status,” Anchahua said. “Attorneys who helped us years ago told us we would get immigration papers but, look, 20 years have passed and we have nothing.”

Not as visible as those who worked on the World Trade Center rubble pile, some of these cleaners didn’t seek medical help immediately because they feared deportation, ignored how to navigate the application process or did not know help was available.

While some say they feel forgotten by the U.S. government, others returned to Latin America.

Hired informally by cleaning companies, they cleared debris, asbestos and dust inside lower Manhattan buildings for months without adequate protective gear. Some are struggling to cope with how the disaster transformed their lives, saying they are also treated for anxiety, depression and post traumatic disorder.

A few of them are organizing a small protest in October to push the government to establish a pathway for legal residency for immigrant cleanup workers.

They have done similar protests in the past.

The group would consist of group rides (Road & MTB), planned bike trips, bike maintenance classes and just sharing the love for bikes!

Bikes are not required to join.

If interested, contact: issac.holter@mnsu.edu First meeting is September 27th in Armstrong Hall 123. Pizza Will Be Provided!

Thursday, September 9, 2021

24 hours in Kabul: brutality, trauma ASSOCIATED PRESS Bone-tired like everyone else in Kabul, Taliban fighters spent the last moments of the 20-year Afghanistan war watching the night skies for the flares that would signal the United States was gone.

From afar, U.S. generals watched video screens with the same anticipation.

Relief washed over the war’s winners and the losers when the final U.S. plane took off.

For those in between and left behind — possibly a majority of the allied Afghans who sought U.S. clearance to escape — fear spread about what comes next, given the Taliban’s history of ruthlessness and repression of women. And for thousands of U.S. officials and volunteers working around the world to place Afghan refugees, there is still no rest.

As witnessed by The Associated Press in Kabul and as told by people The AP interviewed from all sides, the war ended with episodes of brutality, enduring trauma, a massive if fraught humanitarian effort and moments of grace.

Enemies for two decades were thrust into a bizarre collaboration, joined in a common goal — the Taliban and the United States were united in wanting the United States out. They wanted, too, to avoid another deadly terrorist attack. Both sides had a stake in making the last 24 hours

KHWAJA TAWFIQ SEDIQI • Associated Press Taliban special force fighters stand guard outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport after the U.S. military’s withdrawal, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021.

work.

In that stretch, the Americans worried that extremists would take aim at the hulking, helicopter-swallowing transport planes as they lifted off with the last U.S. troops and officials. Instead, in the green tint of night-vision goggles, the Americans looked down to goodbye waves from Taliban fighters on the tarmac.

The Taliban had worried that the Americans would rig the airport with mines. Instead the Americans left them with two useful fire trucks and functional front-end loaders along with a bleak panorama of self-sabotaged U.S. military machinery.

After several sleepless nights from the unrelenting thunder of U.S. evacuation flights overhead, Hemad Sherzad joined his fellow Tal-

iban fighters in celebration from his post at the airport.

“We cried for almost an hour out of happiness,” Sherzad told AP. “We yelled a lot — even our throat was in pain.”

In the Pentagon operations center just outside Washington at the same time, you could hear a pin drop as the last C-17 took off. You could also hear sighs of relief from the top military officials in the room, even through masks. President Biden, determined to end the war and facing widespread criticism for his handling of the withdrawal, got the word from his national security adviser during a meeting with aides.

“I refused to send another generation of America’s sons and daughters to fight a war that should have ended long ago,” he said.

Thursday, September 9, 2021

News

Grief comes home to US towns week after Afghanistan war ends

MSU Reporter • 3

Beatings, buried videos a pattern at Louisiana State Police

ASSOCIATED PRESS Waiting for the hearse carrying one of the 13 U.S. service members killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan two weeks ago, Faye Hillis thought about all the military veterans she had mourned at her hometown’s lone funeral home.

Her father who came home from World War II. Her cousin who died in Vietnam. Too many friends and neighbors to count.

“I’m having all these flashbacks,” she said Wednesday as school children, families and veterans lined the village’s two main streets to honor Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak.

While the war in Afghanistan is over, its harsh reality is still coming home as Americans now are beginning to honor and bury the last casualties to come back from a 20-year war that claimed more than 2,400 American lives.

Stars and Stripes of all sizes and homemade signs saying “thank you for your service” decorated the procession route through northern Ohio where Soviak, 22, grew up before joining the Navy.

In suburban St Louis, thousands lined Interstate 70 to pay respects Wednesday to Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20, whose body was escorted from the airport to a funeral home in St. Charles, Missouri. Many people brought American flags, and massive flags flew

LABOR DAY Continued from page 1 years-old would be working 7 days a week on top of a 12hour work day.

Most conditions in the factories during this time were in very poor conditions and violated many safety protocols that wouldn’t be deemed up to regulation in today’s standards.

But it wouldn’t become an official holiday right away until the American laborers brought workers rights to light in front of the states legislation.

With intention to mend ties with the American workers congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday just in the District of Columbia in June of 1894.

This holiday was passed by President Grover Cleveland.

Via AP

ASSOCIATED PRESS DAVID DERMER • Associated Press Members of the U.S. Navy Honor Guard transport the casket of Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak at Morman-Hinman-Tanner Funeral Home, Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, in Berlin Heights, Ohio.

Soviak was one of 13 U.S. troops killed in a suicide bombing at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport on Aug. 26.

from the aerial ladders of fire trucks. The procession, which included about 1,000 motorcyclists from the Patriot Guard, was so long the Missouri State Highway Patrol closed the interstate to westbound traffic over the 8 1/2-mile route.

Among those paying his respects was 60-year-old Luther Loughridge, a retired lieutenant with the U.S. Coast Guard, who stood in uniform at salute for more than 20 minutes.

“It’s the last of the Afghanistan war, and he’s the last victim,” Loughridge said. “He gave his entire life and as a veteran, we respond to that.”

These are scenes that will repeat in the coming days in places including Omaha, Nebraska; Laredo, Texas; Logansport, Indiana; and Sacra-

mento, California; for the 13 who died in the bomb attack Aug. 26 at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport during the frantic airlift in the conflict’s final days.

On a clear morning in rural Ohio, military veterans on motorcycles escorted Soviak’s remains the final 8 miles (13 kilometers) to his hometown, first passing through the neighboring village where inventor Thomas Edison was born and then by the stadium where just five years ago, Soviak was a football captain for the Edison High Chargers.

One final turn took the procession by the Soviak family’s home and onto a road dedicated to Army Sgt. David Sexton, who was killed in the Vietnam War, which up until now had been America’s longest war.

Being a well-known holiday for over a century, Labor Day is now celebrated all across the United States with most spending their day outside and enjoying the last bit of the summer sun.

“I was at my cabin in Richmond and then I went jet skiing and spent the day outside with my family,” Grant Good, freshman at MNSU said.

“This weekend I went camping with my family up north,” Destiny Fairbanks, freshman at MNSU shared.

While some go out and spend the day with fun-filled activities, some students took the day to relax.

“I caught up on some homework and then slept in, obviously,” Aaron Hanson, freshman at MNSU said.

Other students similarly took the day to “I slept

in on Monday and then I played some basketball at the park since the gym here was closed,” Gavin Sell, freshman at MNSU shared.

“I hung out with friends and then also played some basketball later in the day,” Brady Burton, freshman at MNSU said.

For Minnesotans, it also marks the last day of the infamous Minnesota State fair where millions of people come to enjoy the deep fried food, live entertainment, and variety of displays and freebies all across the fairgrounds.

“I went to the state fair with one of my friends on Labor Day. The best thing I had there definitely was the milk with the Sweet Martha’s cookies,” Hunter Vonruden, freshman at MNSU said.

The most violent videos languished for years, lost or ignored in a digital vault.

Louisiana State Police troopers and top brass alike would often look the other way, even as officers took to official messaging channels to banter about their brutality.

In one video, white troopers can be seen slamming a Black man against a police cruiser after finding marijuana in his car, throwing him to the ground and repeatedly punching him — all while he is handcuffed.

In another, a white trooper pummels a Black man at a traffic stop 18 times with a flashlight, leaving him with a broken jaw, broken ribs and a gash to his head. That footage was mislabeled and it took 536 days and a lawsuit for police to look into it.

And yet another video

shows a white trooper coldcocking a Hispanic drug trafficking suspect as he stood calmly by a highway, an unprovoked attack never mentioned in any report and only investigated when the footage was discovered by an outraged federal judge.

As the Louisiana State Police reel from the fallout of the deadly 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene — a case blown open this year by long-withheld video of troopers stunning, punching and dragging the Black motorist — an Associated Press investigation has revealed it is part of a pattern of violence kept shrouded in secrecy.

An AP review of internal investigative records and newly obtained videos identified at least a dozen cases over the past decade in which troopers or their bosses ignored or concealed evidence of beatings.

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News

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Ida deaths rise by 11 in New Orleans; Louisiana toll now 26

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

GREEK: “I have never felt so supported and loved by anyone else.” Continued from page 1

This photo from ‘Bid Day’ shows sorority members reacting to their newest sorority sisters joining them.

ed to make friends that made Mankato feel like home and that is what I found in Greek life.”

To become a member of Greek life, one must go through a process known as rushing. During which, individuals get familiar with the different sororities and fraternities and decide which one they want to join. The catch is that the sorority or fraternity get a say in who they allow in as well.

According to Bern, the process was both stressful and exciting.

“This process helped me figure out what sorority sisters I bond with the most,” she explains. “There are three days of formal recruitment and after each day is done, you vote on what sorority you like and hopefully they invite you back to the next day.”

Luckily for Bern, Gamma Phi Beta wanted her just as much as she wanted them.

“My overall experience as a member has been amazing,” she recounts. “I have never felt so supported and loved by anyone else.”

Prior to joining her sorority, Bern says she entered college as a shy girl who lacked confidence. Throughout her years in her chapter, Bern says she grew to find her true self and love that version of herself unconditionally.

According to Bern, she discovered her sexuality and her sorority sisters have been nothing but supportive.

“I have come out as a part of the LGBTQ+ community in the last year,” she says.

“The girls in the sorority have been my biggest rock as some of the world has shut me out since.”

The endless support and

being pushed to better herself is, according to Bern, her favorite part about being in a sorority. However, sororities have their downsides as well.

“My least favorite part of the sorority are the cliques,” Bern says. “This happens inevitably since it’s a huge group of women, but I know that even though there are cliques, I can go to anyone in the chapter with my problems.”

When asked to give an inside scoop into the world of Greek life, Bern offered just one.

“I can tell you about informal recruitment,” she begins.

“It’s a lot easier than formal recruitment and it happens after formal recruitment in the Fall and in the Spring.”

According to Bern, informal recruitment is far less intimidating and it’s arguably easier to get into a sorority or fraternity this way.

“A lot more girls get bids into sororities as they are trying to meet total at this time,” shares Bern.

This has proven to be true for two Mavericks who joined a fraternity by rushing informally, Brad Halverson and Asa Beckner, both seniors at MNSU. Halverson has proudly reigned from Tau Kappa Epsilon for three years and Beckner from Phi Kappa Psi for two and a half.

According to Halverson, what sparked his interest in Greek life was the brotherhood that accompanied it.

“I hung out with the guys a lot my first semester but didn’t join until the spring,” he explains. “Someone was always doing something, whether it was at their place or on campus and I think that was a big draw for me.”

Beckner says he became interested in Greek life after an encounter with some fellow students who would soon become his future fraternity brothers.

“I went to a basketball event at Myers Field House with them and a poker night down at the [fraternity] house,” he says. “Talked to a few guys and everyone seemed nice, and they gave me a house tour which was so sick.”

After that, Becker says he was sold.

“Everything just seemed awesome,” he explains. “Seeing the connection they all had, I wanted to be a part of something like that.”

And just like that, Beckner was.

“I’d say my favorite part is the community service we do,” he says. “Helping out and being involved in service events not only brings us closer with the community but also with each other.”

Halverson agrees that the sincere connection and brotherhood that come with Greek life is one of his favorite aspects of it as well.

Among his list of favorites, Halverson adds that the opportunities are endless.

“There are so many great opportunities that present themselves and I never would have guessed I’d be where I am, but Greek life has opened many doors,” he chimes.

Whether it be for the family bond or the opportunities that come with it, all three Greek life members encourage other Mavericks to join in on the fun.

“I say join,” says Bern.

“It’s a life changing experience that helped me grow into the woman I’ve always wanted to be.”

GERALD HERBERT • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS The death toll in Louisiana from Hurricane Ida rose to 26 Wednesday, after health officials reported 11 additional deaths in New Orleans, mostly older people who perished from the heat.

The announcement was grim news amid signs the city was returning to normal with almost fully restored power and a lifted nighttime curfew.

While New Orleans was generally rebounding from the storm, hundreds of thousands of people outside the city remained without electricity and some of the hardest-hit areas still had no water. Across southeastern Louisiana, 250,000 students were unable to return to classrooms 10 days after Ida roared ashore with 150 mph (240 kph) winds.

The latest deaths attributed to Ida happened between

Aug. 30 and Monday, but were just confirmed as storm-related by the Orleans Parish coroner, the Louisiana Department of Health said in a statement. Nine of the New Orleans deaths — of people ages 64 to 79 — came from “excessive heat during an extended power outage,” while the two others were from carbon monoxide poisoning, the department said.

More than a million people were left without power, including the entire city of New Orleans, when Ida struck on Aug. 29. The state’s largest power company, Entergy, said it expected to have electricity in the city restored to 90% by Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Police Department and Mayor LaToya Cantrell lifted an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew they had imposed two days after the hurricane hit.

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4 • MSU Reporter

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COVID-19 surge in US: The summer of hope ends in gloom

NAM Y. HUH • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS The summer that was supposed to mark America’s independence from COVID-19 is instead drawing to a close with the U.S. more firmly under the tyranny of the virus, with deaths per day back up to where they were in March.

The delta variant is filling hospitals, sickening alarming numbers of children and driving coronavirus deaths in some places to the highest levels of the entire pandemic. School systems that reopened their classrooms are abruptly switching back to remote learning because of outbreaks. Legal disputes, threats and violence have erupted over mask and vaccine requirements.

The U.S. death toll stands at more than 650,000, with one major forecast model projecting it will top 750,000

by Dec. 1.

“It felt like we had this forward, positive momentum,” lamented Katie Button, executive chef and CEO at two restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina. “The delta variant wiped that timeline completely away.”

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. More than six months into the U.S. vaccination drive, President Joe Biden held a White House party on July Fourth to celebrate the country’s freedom from the virus, and other political leaders had high hopes for a close-to-normal summer.

Then the bottom fell out.

The summer wave was fueled by the extra-contagious delta variant combined with

stark resistance to vaccinations that formed along political and geographic lines, said Dr. Sten Vermund, of the Yale School of Public Health.

“The virus was more efficient in spreading among the unvaccinated so that you blunted the expected benefit of vaccines,” Vermund said.

The crisis escalated rapidly from June to August.

About 400,000 COVID-19 infections were recorded for all of June. It took all of three days last week to reach the same number.

The U.S. recorded 26,800 deaths and more than 4.2 million infections in August. The number of monthly positive cases was the fourth-highest total since the start of the pandemic.

The 2021 delta-driven onslaught is killing younger Americans at a much higher rate than previous waves of the pandemic in the Northeast last spring, the Sun Belt in the summer of 2020 and the deadly winter surge around the holidays.

During the peaks of those waves, Americans over 75 suffered the highest proportion of death. Now, the most vulnerable age group for death is 50 to 64, according to data from U.S. officials.

Overall, the outbreak is still well below the all-time peaks reached over the winter, when deaths topped out at 3,400 a day and new cases at a quarter-million per day.

The U.S. is now averaging over 150,000 new cases per day, levels not seen since January.

News

MSU Reporter • 5

MINORS Continued from page 1 Although ultimately it is the person’s choice to choose to partake in consuming alcohol, it is very important to educate and inform students on the risks and consequences.

“I think it’s important for students to understand that alcohol is a dangerous chemical and in some instances it can take people’s lives, it can happen to anyone. It is so important to educate students about the less harmful ways to consume alcohol if that is what they choose to do while in college.”

Although there are health risks that come with drinking there are also legal consequences if you do so underage.

The fine for underage consumption or a ‘minor’ is roughly $180 and categorized as a petty misdemeanor. The Mankato police department also has a strike policy that states if you rent from somewhere and you have a strike within that specific property it will stay with that property for the continuous year.

These strikes are usually noise related and those who are renting should educate themselves on their specific property since two or more strikes will have consequences to the owner and occupant.

Other charges you may face is a Social Host citation, or a misdemeanor charge. If you are hosting a party and there is underage consump-

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

Thursday, September 9, 2021

tion taking place, it’s a violation for the owners of that property.

Dan Schisel, associate director with the Mankato Department of Public Safety, has worked in the city for 29 years.

“It’s about safety and zero tolerance,” he said. “If you’re hosting a party and have a few friends over, that’s fine.

But the minute you have individuals there that are underage and you are not in control of the party you are liable for them.”

“If something were to happen to an individual that was underage you are accountable for that and it comes down to making sure this is a safe environment for everyone,” he said.

Since thousands of MNSU students are back, there is no surprise there will be an increase in calls for service.

“As far as staffing goes we adjust our staff accordingly and recognize that it does pick up when the college students come back as well as in

the evenings,” Schisel stated.

When it comes to the school, MNSU is notified on a regular basis if any student between the ages of 18 to 24 years-old is arrested.

MNSU does require all freshmen to take an alcohol safety crash course that educates students on the consequences of drinking and how to prevent binge drinking.

“I’d say the students are informed about the consequences of drinking,” said freshman Mac Brooks. “We talk about that during our floor meetings during the first weeks of school.”

“I think we’re informed more on the health consequences of alcohol rather than the punishment by the school,” said freshman Alayna Caven.

MNSU does take necessary action if students living on campus do not comply with the zero tolerance policy pertaining to drugs or alcohol. This may result in getting removed from the residence hall.

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6 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, September 9, 2021

FALL 2021 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

Why unplugging from your electronics is important

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Editorial All day long college students are looking at a screen.

Whether they’re on Zoom for class, completing some last minute homework, or learning the newest Tik Tok dance, students are staring at the blue-light glare from their laptop or phone.

These lights are harmful to the eyes, leading many college students to purchase blue light glasses to help them continue looking at their screen without putting too much strain on their eyes.

On top of that, social media adds so much unneeded stress to day to day life, especially for college students, as we are so glued to our phones in an attempt to stay social and relevant with new friends.

Social media has been proven to be a hindrance to people’s mental health, sleep schedules, and self-esteem.

All of these are extremely important to prioritize during the college years, especially because they are paired with even bigger issues like school, grades and financial issues.

Whether it is constantly checking to see how many likes the new Instagram post got, or wondering why your crush has left you on read for hours, there is a constant level of anxiety that can plague the mind of the pluggedin social media generation.

To help maintain mental and physical health, it’s important to unplug from the

NEWS DIRECTOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu MEDIA/DESIGN DIRECTOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu SPORTS EDITOR: Daniel McElroy daniel.mcelroy@mnsu.edu

GERALD HERBERT • Associated Press

electronics and give yourself a break to recharge.

How can you do this?

Grab that book off the shelf that’s been sitting there for a few months collecting dust. Crack it open and force yourself to read for twenty minutes without any interruptions. This will allow you to fully emerge in this piece of writing without looking at your phone for the recent group chat updates.

With the weather still above 70 degrees, taking a hike around campus is a great way to detach from the internet. There are hammocking spots that can be found throughout the campus to sit back and relax.

Otherwise, there’s all sorts of courts available for students to play games on. There’s sand volleyball and basketball courts around the dorms, as well as courts in the Otto Recreation Center available for the sport of your choice.

If you’d like to get off campus for a short while, there are other outdoor activities that might spark your interest.

Minneopa State Park is located approximately five miles away from campus and offers hiking trails, bison viewing, and a waterfall for people to admire.

This warm weather won’t be around for long, so be sure to take advantage of it while you can.

Energizing yourself with

a coffee break is essential when studying for long hours, and it’s a perfect way to catch a quick break.

There’s a large amount of both local and chain coffee shops located in Mankato to pick up your cup of fuel.

Another great way to reconnect with the world is by simply leaving your phone in your car when you are meeting with friends.

This gives you no choice but to focus on the world around you.

So plug your phone into the charger and let it sit for a few hours. You might just find that it is actually you that gets recharged.

“How do you unplug from electronics?”

Compiled by Dylan Engel

CHRISTIAN KOUASSI, GRADUATE STUDENT

JARED JOHNSON, SENIOR

SAM WOO, FRESHMAN

“I like to exercise.”

“I like hanging out in my room, watching movies, and playing games.”

“Working, rest in coffee, go to gym.”

KARLA REYS, SOPHOMORE

ELIZABETH BOEHNEN, SOPHOMORE

“I don’t not have my phone on “I hammock, going for a walk, me, when I go to sleep.” if I’m not doing that I read the Bible.”

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THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Thursday, September 9, 2021

News

MSU Reporter • 7

EXCERPT: On morning of 9/11, ‘What’s happening to my city?’

ASSOCIATED PRESS The following account from Howie Rumberg, now deputy sports editor for The Associated Press, is excerpted from the book “September 11: The 9/11 Story, Aftermath and Legacy,” an in-depth look at AP’s coverage of 9/11 and the events that followed. On that day, Rumberg, working the overnight in AP Sports, came up out of a lower Manhattan subway and found himself in the middle of chaos.

--Seventeen minutes. Twenty years later, unraveling the morning of Sept. 11, it feels like an eternity.

About 17 minutes passed between the time I stepped out of the subway station at Canal Street to rush-hour shouts of disbelief and horror seconds after American Airlines flight 11 struck the north tower, and the shocking boom of United Airlines flight 175 crashing into the south tower as I stood one block north of the World Trade Center complex.

Just off an overnight shift in the AP Sports department, a night that began by catching a glimpse of Michael Jackson emerging from Madison

SUZANNE PLUNKETT • Associated Press People run from the collapse of World Trade Center Tower Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001 in New York. On that day, Howie Rumberg, working the overnight in AP Sports, came up out of a subway and found himself in the middle of chaos.

Square Garden into a shower of flashing strobe lights from fans and photographers, all I could think of was sleep – until I saw the jagged, burning hole in Tower One. The explanation seemed implausible: A plane had flown right into the building.

It had just happened. I didn’t even hear sirens yet, just the chorus of “Oh, my God!” from people instantly halted in their morning hustle.

I sprinted the 100 yards or so home, woke my girlfriend and breathlessly told her to look out the window. I

then took her cell phone — I didn’t even have one then — and called the office. Did they need help?

“Yes. Go!” I was told by a voice I didn’t know.

I sprinted down Hudson Street, shouting at stunned people looking up at the

building that we took for granted each day as it loomed over our neighborhood, “Did anyone see what happened?”

A construction worker tried to describe the white bottom of a low-flying plane, but he was too shaken to focus.

The closer I got to the scene, the more intense the emotion got. Groups of gawkers formed on corners. Others raced away at the urging of just-arriving police. People on phones trying to explain where they were and what was happening.

As I approached the World Trade Center, it became apparent that it wasn’t debris falling from the higher floors but people overcome by the smoke and heat. It was shattering. But I focused on what I felt I needed to do.

Remembering the pictures from the first attacks on the World Trade Center in 1993, I ran for West Street, the western edge of the Trade Center and a large thoroughfare where many emergency vehicles gathered during those attacks. And there it was: a growing hive of flashing lights a few blocks south. I didn’t think it was a smart place to be if I wanted to remain close, with all the police around...

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Thursday, September 9, 2021

NEXT UP: DULUTH

The Mavericks will travel up north to Duluth to take on the UMD Bulldogs this Saturday

By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer After just slipping by with an overtime win this past week against Northern State, the Minnesota State football team is headed to Duluth, Minn. to take on the Bulldogs in their second game of the season.

The Mavericks and the Bulldogs are both ranked in the AFCA top 25 Poll, where the Mavs hold the No. 3 spot and the Bulldogs, No. 20.

This is the Mavs first top 25 matchup of the season and will be a great test to prove they are worthy of their top three spot in the rankings.

With a loss, the Mavericks are undoubtedly going to drop several spots in the rankings, but with a win, Minnesota State could reclaim their No. 2 spot from the preseason rankings.

Going into only the second game of the season, there is not much we know about this Mavs team, but there is a lot of promise just based on the one game we have seen.

Coming into the season the Mavs had positions to fill at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.

It seems Minnesota State has found their answers at running back and wide receiver, where sophomore Kaleb Sleezer was the most dominant back for the Mavs, rushing for 148 yards and one

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter The Minnesota State Mavericks head into Duluth following a close overtime win over the Northern State Wolves in their season-opener.

touchdown against Northern State.

Jalen Sample, who led the team in targets, yards, and touchdowns at wide receiver,

seems to have taken control of the number one wideout spot going into game two.

The quarterback position still has not been quite an-

swered yet. JD Ekowa entered the game as the QB1 for the Mavs, but did not necessarily have the better performance.

Hayden Ekern came into

the game several times as the backup to Ekowa, going 8-11 on passing attempts including a 71-yard touchdown pass to FOOTBALL on page 11 u

Mavs win first game of season in OT, look forward to Missouri

By DANIEL McELROY • Sports Editor The Minnesota State women’s soccer team got their official season underway over the weekend with their non-conference win over Missouri Southern (MSSU) in Mankato.

The Mavs played a very defensive game throughout, specifically in the first half where MSU did not allow any shots on goal.

The Mavericks connected with four of their six shots reaching the goalkeeper, but not being able to find the back of the goal in the first half.

The second half was a bit more challenging for the Mavericks as MSSU was able to outshoot Minnesota State 6-5, but after 90 minutes of play, the score was still tied at 0.

It wasn’t until 92 minutes in during overtime that sophomore Allie Williams received a beautiful cross from freshman Maille Mathis right in front of the

netminder and put away the ball in the bottom corner.

Despite the game being as close as it was, the Mavs played a far cleaner game than the Lions, only taking two fouls the entire match, one in each half. The Lions on the other hand, took 10 total fouls, including a yellow card against MSSU’s Laney Waldron at 79:16.

The Mavs outshot the Lions 17-11 throughout the game, while landing nine shots on goal, to the Lions’ six. Freshman goaltender Clare Longueville played all 92 minutes and closed out her first official collegiate match with a six save shutout.

Libby Spangler and Claire Cater led the Mavericks in shots with three a piece, and each landing one shot on goal.

The Mavericks are looking ahead to Missouri, where they will face No. 7 Central Missouri and Northwest Missouri State.

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Sophomore Allie Williams (5), who scored the gamewinning goal, had two shots on goal in the game.

Sports

MSU Reporter • 11

Mavericks head to Kenosha for Hampton Inn Tournament

FOOTBALL Continued from page 10

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

Thursday, September 9, 2021

By SAM LEIBEG Staff Writer After returning from the Keweenaw Volleyball classic, the Minnesota State Mavericks (2-2) head out for another round of tournament games. The Hampton Inn Tournament will take place in Kenosha, Wis. and games will begin at 8 a.m Friday.

Looking back at this past weekend, Senior Dana Schindler led the team with 58 kills and 82 assists. Freshman, Brooke Bolwerk, controlled the assists with a total of 83.

Senior defensive specialist and libero, Mara Quam, led the Mavericks with 82 digs on the weekend. Freshman Kiya Durant, led the team and the NSIC in blocks in the first week of action with 27.

Friday, September 10 at 8 a.m., the Minnesota State Mavericks will compete against their first oppennet, the Quincy Hawks. The Hawk’s current overall record is 1-3. As a team so far this season, Quincy University has averaged 12.2 kills per set compared to their opponents 12.6. Furthermore, the Hawks average 10.1 assists per set and 10.5 digs per set.

Quincy University is led on offense by Mattie Norris who recorded 40 kills. Erica Slinde is the primary setter for the team and has 69 assists on the 2021-22 season.

Continuing Friday, the Mavericks will also face off against the Colorado Christian Cougars at 2:45 p.m. The Cougars will be heading into

Jalen Sample had 104 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Wolves in the Mavericks’ first game this season.

DAVID FAULKNER • SPX Sports via Maverick Athletics The Mavericks are heading to Kenosha, Wis. with a 2-2 record to play in four non-conference games.

this tournament with a 2-2 record. Colorado averaged 11.4 kills per set while their opponents notched 13.8.

Colorado Christian has also maintained 10.4 assists per set and 10.4 digs per set.

Libby Goodman leads the Cougar offense with 50 kills on the 2021-22 season. Izzy Jones is the primary setter for Colorado Chrsitian having recorded 135 assists.

Saturday, September 11 at 2:45 p.m. the Mavericks will go head to head with the Lake Superior State Lakers once again. The Mavericks recently won against them in a 3-1 game.

The Lakers record coming into this tournament is 0-4.

Lake Superior State has averaged 8.46 kills per set compared to its opponents 14.23.

As well as averaging 8.00 assists per set and 11.31 digs per frame. Lake Superior State is led on offense by Camdyn Odykirk who re-

corded 29 kills. Halle Grulke, the primary setter, has recorded 51 assists.

Following that matchup, at 7:15 p.m. the Mavericks will play their last game of the tournament against UWParkside.

The Rangers currently hold a record of 1-3 to begin the 2021 season.

The Mavericks look to redeem themselves after losing a close game to them late last week (3-2).

The Rangers have averaged 10.9 kills per set while their opponents earned 13.5. UWParkside also averaged 10.1 assists per set and 13.9 digs per set. Jessica Pappas leads the Rangers offense with 44 kills. Ellie Adams, setter for UW-Parkside, having recorded 71 assists.

These next few games will be crucial for the Mavericks as they begin conference matches next week.

Jalen Sample on the second play of his first drive. It will be interesting to see if the Mavs use situational quarterback play this season or if they stick to one over the other.

We do not know much about this No. 20 Duluth team either. The Bulldogs won their first game of the season handily, defeating Upper Iowa 41-14.

Minnesota-Duluth put together a monster second quarter in their first game, putting up 27 points in their rout to a win against the Peacocks.

Quarterback John Larson was the undoubted MVP for the Bulldogs in their first game, throwing for 447 yards and six touchdowns.

Wideout Armani Carmickle was on the receiving end of the bulk of Larson’s big game, hauling in five catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns.

The Mavericks secondary is going to have a lot on their plate this weekend if the Bulldogs keep it up.

Duluth’s defense also played very well in their first game of the season, totalling

six sacks and two interceptions. After many question marks have come up for the Mavericks at the quarterback position in the first game, this Bulldog defense might cause some issues for the Mavs.

Minnesota-Duluth did however, give up 134 rushing yards in their game against the Peacocks.

Sleezer was a monster in the running game for the Mavs in game one, so he should look to pick apart the Bulldog defensive unit to start the game.

Coming into this game, Duluth leads the overall win loss category over Minnesota State with a 20-18-1 record.

Although the Bulldogs have the edge in the all-time record, the Mavs have dominated the Bulldogs in recent history. The Mavericks have won the last five contests between the two teams, including a 52-7 victory in the 2019 season.

Minnesota State looks to come one game closer to evening out their historical record against Minnesota-Duluth, as well as regaining their No. 2 spot in the AFCA Poll this Saturday.

REPORTER PICK ‘EM • WEEK #1 COWBOYS @ BUCCANEERS

DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor KOLE BUELOW Sports Writer SAM LEIBEG Sports Writer MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief JENNA PETERSON News Director MANSOOR AHMAD Media Director DANA CLARK Ad Design Mgr. ROBB MURRAY Weekly Guest Pick

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12 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Vikings hope family reunion on defense sparks resurgence

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Georgia jumps to No. 2 behind Tide; UCLA moves into top 25

CURTIS COMPTON • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS

BRUCE KLUCKHOHN • Associated Press Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) signals teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Minneapolis.

ASSOCIATED PRESS The Minnesota Vikings have been trying to keep their window for championship contention pried open as long as possible, committed for at least another season to lean on the standouts they’ve enjoyed on defense even if they’re not getting any younger.

This time, they even turned the clock back a bit by bringing back a bunch of former players. They couldn’t wait to return, either.

“I left because I thought the grass was greener on the other side, to be honest, and it wasn’t,” said defensive end Everson Griffen.

The Vikings under head coach Mike Zimmer have fielded one of the most effective if not dominant defenses in the league, routinely landing in the top five in most statistical categories. That run came to a humbling end last year, when a weary Zimmer near the end of the season called that group the worst he’s ever had.

Without the time to wait to rebuild it through the draft, the Vikings dived headfirst into free agency and loaded up on polished veterans such as eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson, even if he’s past his prime.

Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson was the biggest prize.

Safety Xavier Woods was another solid addition.

The Vikings also took the shopping spree on a unique tack toward several of their former players, seeking the mutual familiarity that provides a potential bonus from the others on the market

who’d never suited up for Minnesota before.

“We’ve always had a special locker room, a lot of guys who are close, a lot of guys who look after each other,” safety Harrison Smith said.

The Vikings signed defensive end Stephen Weatherly, a seventh-round draft pick in 2017 who worked his way into the rotation and spent one year with Carolina only to be cut at the beginning of the offseason. Mackensie Alexander, their second-round draft choice in 2016 who became a reliable nickel cornerback after some early career struggles, played one year for Cincinnati and then decided to re-sign with his original team in dire need of more experience at the position.

When defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson became available during the summer, the casualty of a salary cap savings move by Cleveland, the Vikings snatched him up for the luxury of a proven starter in a backup role to free agent prizes Michael Pierce and Dalvin Tomlinson.

Richardson played only one year in purple in 2018, but his absence from the interior pass rush and run stopping was palpable the past two seasons.

Then came Griffen, who first came to Minnesota as an immature fourth-round draft selection in 2010 and flourished into one of the best pass rushers in team history once he became an every-down player in 2014. He also spent only one year away, playing for Dallas and Detroit, and quickly realized that he appreciated the place where his

NFL roots grew the best.

The 2018 team that all four of the returners were together on ranked fourth in the league in yards allowed and ninth in points.

“In my opinion, I never left. You know what I mean?”

Alexander said.

Alexander was as stubborn of a young player as Zimmer encountered, remarking often in 2019 about how far he’d come since his rookie year.

Two seasons later, the raves from the coaching staff have continued from Alexander, who’s slotted in behind Peterson and Bashaud Breeland for a regular role in the slot.

“I’m shocked at how Mackensie has matured over the year he left. He’s studying really hard. He’s communicating really well. He’s really growing into a solid pro,” said co-defensive coordinator Adam Zimmer, the head coach’s son.

Alexander could hardly disagree.

“You’re highly touted coming out of high school.

You’re one of the best in college football. You come here to a team, and you think it’s going to go your way. Every guy comes in young thinking they want it to go their way and this is how it’s supposed to be. You dream about it, right?” Alexander said. “But it didn’t happen for me like that. So for me it’s just understanding that and being patient with the process. I harp on the young guys about that, just being patient and listening, see what they want you to do and be the best at it.”

Georgia jumped three spots to No. 2 behind Alabama in The Associated Press Top 25 released Tuesday, giving the Southeastern Conference the top two teams in the country for the 30th time in the 85-year history of the college football poll.

It is the second time in the last three seasons and the third in the last five that the SEC is sitting 1-2 in the AP Top 25, which is presented

by Regions Bank. Alabama and LSU had a four-week run as Nos. 1 and 2 in the 2019 season before they played each other.

The Crimson Tide strengthened its hold on No. 1 after it throttled Miami in the first full week of the regular season. Alabama received 59 first-place votes, up from the 47 it had in the preseason poll.

Georgia received four first-place votes after beating Clemson 10-3 in the opening weekend’s biggest game.

Ohio State moved up

to No. 3 and Oklahoma dropped two spots to No. 4.

Texas A&M is fifth, giving the SEC three teams in the top five.

Clemson fell three spots to sixth, marking the first time the Tigers have been out of the top four since 2017.

Clemson dropped as low as No. 7 that season before finishing fourth.

No. 7 Cincinnati and No. 8 Notre Dame moved up one spot each. Iowa State dropped two places to No. 9, one spot ahead of No. 10 Iowa, heading into their rivalry game on Saturday.

Alabama and Georgia finished 1-2 in the Top 25 in 2017, when the Tide beat the Bulldogs in overtime in the an all-SEC College Football Playoff game. Alabama and Georgia also spent two weeks in that regular season at Nos. 1-2.

One conference has held the top two spots 76 times since the AP poll started in 1936, none more than the SEC. The now-defunct Big Eight is next with 23.

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Thursday, September 9, 2021

MSU Reporter • 13

Peterson: A Wisconsinite’s take on MN State Fair

By JENNA PETERSON News Director

If you’re from out of state like me, then the Minnesota State Fair seems like any other state fair.

There’s greasy food, sweet treats, and games that cheat you out of all of your money.

Despite this, I still found myself at the fair for the first time this year and wasn’t disappointed.

When my friends Max, Mansoor and I walked through the gates we were welcomed with a large crowd of food stands and barns filled with all sorts of farm animals.

The award-winning horses, cows, and goats were put on display for everyone to admire, and I made sure to spend some time with the goats, as they are the cutest farm animal by far.

The first stop for food was cheese curds.

They don’t compare to the curds you can find in Wisconsin, but they were still able to put a smile on my face and even tempted Mansoor and me to go back for seconds.

Max, being deathly allergic to the dairy curds, avoided them like the plague.

We then made our way to the Minnesota Newspaper Museum to learn about the history of the newspaper in-

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN • The Reporter Patrons at the Minnesota State Fair ride on the Sky Glider ride on the last day of this year’s fair. This year’s fair had the lowest attendance in 44 years.

dustry.

The workers in the museum demonstrated how newspapers were produced before computer programs that we use like InDesign were a thing, and it was fascinating to see how journalists used to create their

work. It made us all appreciate the speed of computers we have now and the lack of danger that comes with editing.

We all then walked around the fairgrounds to see what other attractions were available for our entertainment to

plan out the rest of our day.

The one thing I was determined to get that day was the roasted corn on the cob, and it felt like I was on a life mission to find that stand.

I kept walking by people with the corn, but couldn’t

find the stand itself and was starting to get frustrated.

After a long hunt, I finally found the stand and happily spent the $4 for a single, buttery cob of corn.

The three of us continued our walk to find more newspaper stands to geek over, including the Star Tribune and KARE 11.

Max and I quickly realized we needed some drinks in our hands, so we made our way around the fair to find something we would both enjoy.

I tested out a stand that had wine slushies, as I heard an abundance of good reviews on them, and was pleasantly surprised how good a $12 could taste.

I already knew before going into the fair that Sweet Martha’s was a mandatory stop, so towards the end of the night we all stood in the long line for the chocolatey treat.

The wait, of course, was worth it, as we all devoured as many cookies as we could right away. I might not have gone on any rides this year, but I’m confident I’ll be back to test those out in the near future, as well as picking up some more Sweet Martha’s cookies.

The hype around the Minnesota State Fair may seem like an exaggeration, but it lives up to the expectations.

What to do in college when the party scene isn’t for you

By SYDNEY BERGGREN Staff Writer

The Minnesota State University, Mankato campus and the city itself offers a variety of places for students to visit and activities to participate in if they’re looking for a good time.

Whether the party scene just isn’t for you or you’re just looking for something new, there is something for everyone around the city.

A long-standing favorite activity that students enjoy is the theatre productions put on by the Performing Arts Center.

“I love to go and see as many theater productions as I can,” said MNSU sophomore Faith Peterson. “The productions here are fantastic.”

The Theatre Department has a long list of musicals and plays lined up for this year, including “The Sound of Music”

and “Slasher”.

As more students are attending classes and living on campus, the MNSU Student Events Team is getting busy planning events all year for students to attend and show their Maverick pride.

Junior Mikayla Witter stated, “I love going to the events that the Student Events Team puts on. Galactic Bingo is probably one of my favorite things to do all year.”

The Student Events Team’s most notable upcoming events include the 2021 Homecoming concert with Jesse McCartney and the Parents’ Weekend event, hosting comedian Charlie Berens.

Some other fun activities can be found around the Centennial Student Union.

“I enjoy going to the bullpen to bowl with friends sometimes,” said Tabitha Bergstrom. “It helps me chill out,

SYDNEY BERGGREN • The Reporter The Andreas Theatre holds many productions throughout the year including “The Sound of Music” and “Slasher”.

and is always a lot of fun.”

Leo De Souza echoed that sentiment, saying, “Bowling can be a lot of fun. I also think intramural sports are a good time.”

There are a variety of in-

tramural sports happening throughout the semester, including golf, tennis, pool, volleyball, and darts. Students can sign up to be part of a team by visiting the intramural sports page on the MNSU website.

Students have a variety of self-lead sports to play with friends as well.

“Me and my friends really enjoy the disc golf course,” noted Kaleb Howze.

“I love rock climbing,” stated Caitlyn Loya. “ I go all the time, and have invested in my own gear. It’s super fun.”

Matthew Trenne recommended sand volleyball. “I am out most nights of the week playing with friends. It’s just a super fun way to meet people and get out some energy. Plus, I’m getting pretty good at volleyball now.”

Another outdoor activity that many students love is hammocking, as there are numerous spots on campus to tie up the hammock and relax.

“I like to go hammock in the trees on the PAC lawn. I center myself, relax, and listen to music. It helps me clear my FUN on page 14 u

14 • MSU Reporter

Variety

James Bond director Cary Fukunaga on ‘No Time to Die’

Thursday, September 9, 2021

A Film Festival that straddles normal and virtual ASSOCIATED PRESS

NICOLA DOVE • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS The film business is inherently full of starts and stops, but few have experienced the phrase “hurry up and wait” quite like “No Time to Die” director Cary Fukunaga.

Fukunaga, the 44-year-old filmmaker of “Beasts of No Nation” and the first season of “True Detective,” took the job directing the 25th Bond film after Danny Boyle dropped out.

What followed was, for a big-budget movie like “No Time to Die,” a sprint to rewrite the script (with Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Phoebe Waller-Bridge), begin production in spring 2019, wrap by the fall and have the film ready for release in April 2020.

But when the pandemic arrived, the fittingly titled “No Time to Die” was put on ice for a year and a half

while MGM and United Artists Releasing awaited the right conditions to open a film that cost at least $250 million to make. Fukunaga, the first American to direct a Bond film in the franchise’s 58 years, has since moved onto other projects.

But the wait for the biggest movie of his career has been — like most things during the pandemic — discombobulating.

It’s even affected his dreams. Fukunaga recently spoke by phone from London to The Associated Press ahead of “No Time to Die” finally coming out, on Sept.

30 in the United Kingdom and Oct. 8 in the U.S. “Whenever you make anything, you’d want to change it and make things better. But I think considering everything, this film looks it took years to make instead of a year.”

FUN Continued from page 13 mind after a long day,” says Kevin Martinez. “I’ll also sometimes read a book out there, or picnic with friends.”

A popular place that many students will spend their evening in is Chet’s Place, the restaurant and convenience store in the Carkoski Commons.

“I love going there to hang out with friends. Plus, the food is pretty good,” said Becca Stark.

Additionally, off-campus hosts a variety of options for students to choose from.

Rasmussen Woods has stunning trails, and is also close enough to campus that students could walk if they wish.

Minneopa State Park, just shy of five miles away from campus, hosts waterfalls, hiking trails, and bison viewing, and is an entertaining choice if students have visitors. If the water current isn’t too strong and the weather is nice enough, you can take a quick swim by the waterfalls.

Other activities available for students include Kato Escape, an escape room experience near downtown, and Wow! Zone, an arcade and food entertainment center on Adams St. No matter your interests, Mankato and MNSU have something to offer for everyone. wed yet.”

One of Sikkila’s hopes for this exhibit is to create new energy for the space after attendance and for future shows.

“Even with having shows this last year, this exhibit, I feel, is igniting the walls again to what they once were before the pandemic. We hope this energy continues into the following year bringing new voices to the space,” Sikkila stated.

The “Selfhood” exhibit is open at The 410 Project from Aug. 27 through Sept.

11 with gallery hours open Wednesday through Saturday from 2-6 p.m.

Film festivals like those in Cannes and Venice are hard to compete with in terms of glamour. But the power of the Toronto International Film Festival is in its audiences.

TIFF, a sprawling showcase of fall movies, generates enormous amounts of buzz not from formal red carpets but packed theaters filled with industry people, media and — this is key — regular filmgoers. It’s the largest public film festival in the world.

TIFF’s top honor isn’t a juried prize but the People’s Choice Award, an early certification of near-certain Oscar contention. (Best picture winner “Nomadland”won it last year.) But because of TIFF’s reliance on crowds, this year’s festival has been somewhat hampered. A year after turning to largely virtual screenings and drive-ins, Toronto’s festival will be more fully in-person beginning Thursday with the premiere of the Broadway musical adaptation “Dear Evan Hansen.”

A full revival isn’t there, yet.

Downtown Toronto streets won’t be closed off as usual, some venues won’t be open, theater seating will be social distanced and the festival has brought back the virtual platform.

TIFF is back. But not all the way.“We got through a hard time in the winter when we weren’t really sure what kind of festival we’d be able to put

ERIKA DOSS • Associated Press

on,” says Cameron Bailey, the festival’s artistic director and co-head. “It’s just great that we know we can do it. We’re back in Roy Thompson Hall and the Princess of Wales. We have drive-ins and we have an online platform. We were able to deliver the festival in every which way.”

Cannes, Venice, Telluride and the upcoming New York Film Festival have gone forward this year with entirely in-person festivals, but Toronto is straddling normal and virtual and keeping some of its pandemic innovations.

That’s partly due to circumstances. Toronto endured one of the longest lockdowns over the past year. Indoor dining didn’t resume until July in Ontario. Only last month did Canada reopen its border with the United States to non-essential travel. It was in those conditions that Bailey and fellow co-head Joana Vincente were preparing the

TIFF’s 46th edition.

“We got really comfortable with scenario planning,” Bailey says. “That’s what this year has been entirely about.

There was never going to be one festival that we planned for. We had to plan for a bunch of different possibilities and, as things change, adapt and adjust.”

The festival this year has been downsized about 100 films will play, almost twice the number of 2020 but roughly half of a typical year.

Some of the fall’s top premieres among them “Dune,” “The Power of the Dog,” “Spencer” and “The Last Duel”opted instead to first unspool at Venice. Some of the most anticipated Platt reprising his Broadway role as an anxiety-ridden, depressed teen whose encounter with another high-schooler who kills himself thrusts Evan into an awkward spotlight.

Thursday, September 9, 2021

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Thursday, September 9, 2021